How to commercialize reliable capacities on a complex transmission network

Abstract GRTgaz is a subsidiary of GDF SUEZ which owns, develops, maintains and operates the main part of the French transmission network. Developing capacities to meet the market demands and guaranteeing their availability is therefore one of the most important missions of GRTgaz. However, given the complexity of its physical network, it is not an easy issue to deal with. This is why GRTgaz asked the CRIGEN, a research center of GDF SUEZ R&I division, to develop specific algorithms to address this problem. In this paper we give an overview of the main French gas transmission network operator GRTgaz contractual and physical network and show how complex it is to commercialize reliable transmission capacities. Then we specify the problem of scenario feasibility-checking with a focus on inter-connecting stations. We present the software developed by the CRIGEN (Center for Research and Innovation in gas and new energies), its results and the way it is used by GRTgaz. Finally, we propose several perspectives for improvements or new functions.